Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency and Seoul City Joint Child Abuse Response 1 Year... 12 People Charged with Violating Child Welfare Act

Establishment of Child Abuse Judgment System... Conducted 518 Sessions
Doctors and Lawyers Also Participate in Abuse Determination

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Sehee] The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency and the Seoul Metropolitan Government announced the achievements of the 'Strengthened Child Abuse Measures' implemented one year after the child abuse death case in Yangcheon.

According to the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency on the 18th, the police reported that through joint inspections, 12 individuals were booked for violating the Child Welfare Act from March to December last year. There were 33 cases of protective support. The police, autonomous districts, and child protection agencies conducted joint inspections twice a year on children who had been reported more than twice over three years.

The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency and Seoul Metropolitan Government designated eight 'Metropolitan Child Abuse Dedicated Medical Institutions' to be available 24 hours a day, including nights, weekends, and emergencies. Additionally, a child abuse judgment system involving experts was established and has been operated a total of 518 times to date.

Furthermore, to ensure expertise and objectivity in judgments, doctors, lawyers, and clinical psychologists, in addition to the police, participate in abuse determinations.

Specialization of on-site response personnel for child abuse was also promoted. A special investigation team for child abuse was newly established directly under the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency to handle child abuse cases involving children under 10 years old. For child abuse cases involving children aged 10 and above, the women's and youth violent crime teams at each police station are responsible. The Seoul Metropolitan Government also significantly increased the number of dedicated child abuse officials from 79 to 97.

Choi Gwan-ho, Commissioner of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, stated, "Child abuse prevention, offender punishment, and protection of victimized children are organically connected among the police, local governments, and child protection agencies. We will continue to strengthen related expertise through cooperation with relevant organizations and do our best to protect victimized children."